For John Hughes, the attraction to Riesling is all encompassing. Growing up on a small vineyard in the Clare Valley, and going on to work with some of the brightest Riesling makers in the country before launching his own venture, John is never far away from his beloved grape. John makes classic Australian styles from carefully selected vineyards with an emphasis on purity and site reflection, as well as German-inspired expressions that balance acidity and sugar with singular precision.

Rieslingfreak No.2 is a dry Riesling, showcasing many of the refinements typical of the Polish Hill River region. The limestone and shale rock soil profile is reflected in the Riesling with mineral and slate notes, underlying fresh citrus characters, predominantly lemon and grapefruit. Wines from this vineyard can be consumed upon release, or cellared for many years.

Polish River-sourced fruit from two picks spaced 10 days apart. Water-white with a flash of green and fruit aromas of freshly squeezed lime juice, makrut lime and lemongrass. Hints of citrus blossom, crushed stone, celery salt, Christmas lily, green-apple sorbet and liminal notes of clover and honeysuckle. Such a sleek, tightly bound package, with a steely focus, porcelain acidity and a pitch-perfect tubular palate shape. It's lovely saline and sapid drinking now, but this will age beautifully. Date: Jul 2024; Alcohol: 10.3%; Price: $37.00; Drink by: 2044; Rating: 98 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion